Q: I recently turned my ankle and suffered a pulled ligament as a result. After 10 days in a cast and a week in an ankle support, Im now able to run again. But Im concerned about long-term weakness. Is there anything I can do to strengthen the ankle, and should I run in a sup...
Q I am a 50-year-old runner, and I’ve averaged 20-40 miles a week for the last 25 years. A year ago – just after completing some sit-ups – I starting getting severe back pain around my mid-spine, which extended around the chest and into the abdomen. This has been diagnosed as wo...
Q Until two years ago I ran three times a week on woodland trails, but have recently joined colleagues for lunchtime runs, mainly on pavements. Since then Ive experienced pain in both legs from just below my calf muscle to the Achilles tendon, particularly during faster session...
Q I understand that haemoglobin levels increase following a stay at altitude. I am soon off to the Alps for a couple of months and wonder how my training will be affected. Will it make my blood thicken, potentially leading to heart attacks? I know cyclists who take synthesised e...
Q. There are two very different running techniques: running tall versus running with a slight forward lean. Which is right?A. Each person's running technique needs to be assessed on an individual basis. The debate about leaning slightly forwards aims to encourage athletes to land...
Q. I quite often 'refuel' with a coffee after a long run or ride. Is this doing me more harm than good, or is it an acceptable recovery drink?A. Restoring water and electrolyte balance is an essential part of the recovery process after any exercise that results in sweat loss and ...
Q During a recent run, my left hamstring seemed to become quite tight. Im worried that Ive picked up a strain, but as Im training for the Flora London Marathon, Im reluctant to see a physio wholl just tell me to rest. At the moment Im stretching the hamstring before and ...
Q: I don't know what pace to run at. A: The good news is that our schedules provide you with the perfect balance of slow runs, fast runs, short runs and long runs. (And rest days, of course.) They're allessential for building up the strength and stamina that you need to run a mar...
Q. I ran the Flora London Marathon last year and took gels every 45 minutes along with water and sports drinks when they were available. Is 45 minutes about right, or too frequent or infrequent? My feeling from last year was almost that I'd taken on too much... Neil Bolton A...
GETTY IMAGES Q. What single aspect of training would help me run a faster marathon? Intervals, tempo sessions or more miles? Johnny BlazeA. Unfortunately, it's just not that simple. Making improvements is all about the ...
